The government on Thursday filed the Presidential reference on 2G spectrum issue in the Supreme Court. The government on Tuesday had given its nod to telecom department’s proposal to make a Presidential reference to the Supreme Court on its February verdict cancelling all the 122 spectrum licences. These licences were issued on first come first serve basis.

The purpose of this whole exercise is to seek clarification whether in the light of the apex court judgment it becomes mandatory for all the sectors to auction natural resources.

Announcing this information and broadcasting minister Ambika Soni said after the cabinet meeting that the proposal for Presidential reference has been cleared.  

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, cleared the Telecom Ministry'''s proposal to seek Supreme Court's opinion on various issues arising out the apex court verdict.

In its judgment the Supreme Court had also directed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to start the process of 2G auction as in its view the licences issued in 2008 during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja were rigged.

"Today, the Cabinet cleared all questions for which we are seeking presidential reference under advisory jurisdiction," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters after the meeting.

The government is of the views that the judgement might have its impact on other sectors which also depend on first-come first serve policy for allocation of natural resources. So, it went for the Presidential reference.

The Supreme has already rejected review petitions filed by the telcos in the 2G case. However, the review petition of the central government has been separated from the others and will be heard in open court in the afternoon of April 13.